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Career opportunities

A bachelor's degree in biochemistry opens doors to a wide variety of careers.

Although many biochemists work in traditional laboratory and research environments, others find career opportunities in fields ranging from business and sales to consultation and law.

Biochemistry career options

If you have a bachelor's degree, career options include:

laboratory technician

quality control technician

associate chemist

technical sales or service representative

analytical chemist

clinical technician

research assistant

secondary school teacher

testing and inspection professional

non-research position

An advanced degree earned through a graduate program can lead to even more professional opportunities.

If you have a master’s degree, career options include:

applied researcher

pharmaceutical researcher

research chemist

chemical safety engineer

clinical chemist

instructor

product developer

research technician

inspector

manager

If you have a PhD or further education/experience, career options include:

industrial researcher

independent researcher

college professor

chemical safety engineer

chemist

clinical chemist

research chemist

marine biologist

pharmacologist

pharmaceutical researcher

advancement opportunities to administrative positions

In 2010, the median annual income of biochemists and biophysicists was $79,390, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $43,050, and the top 10 percent earned more than $142,420. Median annual earnings of biochemists and biophysicists employed in scientific research and development services were $83,590 in 2010.